James Hunter played at the Doheny Blues Festival earlier this year. I'd love to tell you that his performance was as brilliant as this CD, but I didn't check him out. Trust me, I regret it.The CD opens with the title track, and if there is one word to describe this tune, it is SMOOTH. The band (featuring baritone and tenor saxophones to go with the guitar, bass and drums) really captured the soul sound of the 60s and Hunter's vocals remind me of Sam Cooke. And the whole CD is like that. Just one smooth song after another with Hunter's mellifluous vocals.
The album is full of soul and old-time R & B goodness, including a terrific sax solo in "Riot in My Heart." This band could easily have played a bill with Sam Cooke or Willie Hightower. There is also some pretty distinct James Brown flavor in the saxophones in "No Smoke without Fire" and "'Til Your Fool Comes Home."
I have to be honest, this CD is so good, I think you should just go out and get it. Then bring it home and put it on repeat. Trust me, you won't get tired of it, especially if you love 60s R & B and soul.
